Whats The Deal? Gannon Drive Park - News Article Locations on Waymarking.com

This municipal park in Festus, Missouri was featured on Fox 2 News feature "What's the Deal" hosted by Paul Shankman. Strangely, the park occupies two parking spaces in the Home Depot parking lot on Gannon Drive in Festus Missouri. The pavement has been painted green, and concrete pilons flank the solitary pavilion that makes up the entire compliment of Gannon Park. So...what is the deal?

Back in 2003, an adult entertainment company had its eye on an empty lot across the street next to McDonalds with a Play Place. The city of Festus was angry. Citizens protested and fought to keep the adult novelty, books and video store out of such a family friendly place. Unfortunately since the location was just off the highway in a high profile commercial zone, state and county laws prohibited the city's interference with zoning laws. So the citizens got smart.

After talking Home Depot into donating two small parking spaces as far away from the entrance as they could, the City of Festus, built pavilion 17. They painted the asphalt green, added pilons and called the spot Gannon Park. This move prevented the adult store from going in, because state and local laws prohibited such businesses within 500 feet of a community park, the business had to find a new location in neighboring Crystal City.

While people drive by Gannon Park today with a funny look on their faces, the park is in use today. St. Louis casinos shuttle patrons from this very spot every weekend. A tailgate party for the Cardinals has happened here before the game, and since the park is surrounded by many fast food restaurants, it serves as a Gannon Plaza picnic area.

Sometimes the craziest ideas become really good ones. Stop by this little park to see one place adult entertainment couldn't get into.

Type of publication: Television When was the article reported?: 07/29/2007 Publication: Fox News KTVI Channel 2 in St. Louis. Article Url: [Web Link] Is Registration Required?: no How widespread was the article reported?: regional News Category: Society/People

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